De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips is currently leading the statistical race for the UAAP Most Valuable Player award.
At the end of the first round, Phillips accumulated 84.429 statistical points (SPs), averaging 13.29 points, 15.71 rebounds, 3.57 assists, and 1.29 steals per game.
Coming in close behind him in the race is University of Santo Tomas’ Collins Akowe (84.286). Far Eastern University’s Janrey Pasaol (80.429), University of the East’s Precious Momowei (80.0), and National University’s Jake Figueroa (77.429), meanwhile, complete the top five.
Since last season, the MVP award has been given only to local players who top the SPs race, while foreign athletes are instead eligible for the Best Foreign Student-Athlete (Best FSA) award.
One such example was in last season’s UAAP boys’ basketball tournament, where Akowe claimed the Best FSA award.
If Phillips maintains his position at the top, it would mark the third consecutive year that a La Salle player wins the MVP award.
De La Salle University
De La Salle University (DLSU) is a private, Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines, founded in 1911 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools. It was originally established as De La Salle College, a boys’ school, and has since grown into a major coeducational institution renowned for its business, engineering, and computer science programs. The university has a significant history, including surviving the Battle of Manila in 1945, and remains a leading educational institution in the country.
UAAP
The UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) is a major collegiate sports league in the Philippines founded in 1938. It was originally established by four universities and has since expanded to eight member institutions, becoming a cornerstone of Philippine sports culture. The league is renowned for its intense rivalries, particularly in basketball and volleyball, which draw massive national viewership.
University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is a private, Catholic university in Manila, Philippines, founded in 1611 by Archbishop Miguel de Benavides. It is the oldest existing university in Asia and was originally established as a seminary for the education of priests. Throughout its long history, it has been a leading educational institution and was used as an internment camp for civilians during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
Far Eastern University
Far Eastern University (FEU) is a private, non-sectarian university located in Manila, Philippines, founded in 1928 by Dr. Nicanor Reyes Sr. It is renowned for its significant contributions to Philippine education and its iconic Art Deco buildings, many of which are National Cultural Treasures. The university has a rich history of fostering academic excellence and was notably a center for student activism and nationalist thought during the 20th century.
University of the East
The University of the East (UE) is a prominent private university in the Philippines, founded in 1946 in Manila. It was established to provide affordable and quality education in the post-World War II era, quickly growing to become one of the largest universities in the country. UE is particularly known for its strong programs in business, law, and fine arts.
National University
The National University refers to a common naming convention for prominent public universities in various countries, often established as the nation’s first secular or modern institution of higher education. For instance, the National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia), founded in 1867, was created to provide a centralized, secular education system for the nation. These universities are typically flagship institutions, playing a critical role in their country’s academic, scientific, and cultural development.
